Before he was the iconic artist who shook rock and roll to its core, Jimi Hendrix was a backup guitarist working small clubs in New York City and struggling to survive. By chance, he was noticed and befriended by Keith Richards' girlfriend Linda Keith, who was taken by his seductive combination of innate talent and shy sincerity. Chronicling his friendship with her and the short, significant period he spent in London before his groundbreaking performance at the Monterey Pop Festival, Academy Award-winner John Ridley's inspired, poignant biopic reveals a fascinating, complex free spirit on the brink of greatness.

Hip hop star André Benjamin is transcendent as a young Jimi who, largely through his tumultuous, passionate relationships with the women who loved him, found a voice that changed the world.